Longfellow's Christmas

I've always loved "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". In fact, I believe it is my mother's favorite. But I never knew the story behind it until two years ago when the talented Edward Herrmann recited Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I'll never be able to sing or listen to this Christmas hymn again without weeping.

A *LEGEND* SHARES THE STORY OF THE PEACE THAT CAN COME FROM THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Be sure to watch both parts (and you may want a kleenex or two handy):

PART 1:


PART 2:

Brian Stokes Mitchell & the MoTab

My favorite songs from the baritone's jaw-dropping concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir:



This next video, watch how fun it is at 2:20 as the "sleigh" sounds like it's getting faster and faster out of control!


I thought his "Crazy Christmas List" was such a hoot!

keeping all options open...

Wyatt sang a song ("All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth") from his Kindergarten Program for Grandma B. last night. When I complimented him on his singing, he said,

"Maybe when I grow up I can sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and be a Football Player!"

I'm relieved my son is not limiting himself to only one career direction!

we need a little Christmas...

I tried learning the organ once and got so frustrated with my inability to get my feet to do what I wanted them to (I was so inaccurate!) that I gave up after six weeks. I was there for the performance in the below video and I doubt I'll ever again witness an audience go so CRAZY after an organ solo. The entire conference center (20,000 people) were on their feet applauding and screaming their praises!



Angela Lansbury reflects upon the lowly, humble birth of the Savior of the World:


I'm impressed by her vitality! So much energy - a true entertainer!

In the Dark Streets Shineth - the Christmas following Pearl Harbor

I had never heard this story before - I never knew that Winston Churchill risked his life to stand next to President Roosevelt at the 1941 Christmas Eve Presidential Radio Broadcast. You can hear the broadcast from Churchill in almost its entirety on my playlist on the right (scroll down the playlist to #127). It's very interesting, very moving, and deserves a good listen. I must admit "O Little Town of Bethlehem", while appreciated, has never been a favorite of mine. But when I consider the blackouts and bombing raids that took place in those "dark streets" of Britain and Europe during WWII, I doubt I will hear that carol again without feeling gratitude for the LIGHT the love of our Savior offers us.

Totally STOKED!

So I just found out from lds.org some news that has made my year! Brian Stokes Mitchell, along with Edward Hermann (remember him? The rich husband of Goldie Hawn in "Overboard"?), are going to be the guests of honor performing at the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert. If you are a broadway buff when it comes to music, you'll no doubt recognize the name. If you are not familiar with Brian Stokes Mitchell, I'm honored to be the one to introduce you to him. (Click on his name above to hear him sing from last year's Tony Awards. Or, listen to the second song on my playlist "Some Enchanted Evening".) I first heard B.S.M.'s clear baritone voice when I was a 17 and I bought the soundtrack to the broadway play, "Kiss Of the Spiderwoman". I had bought it because I was a big fan of Vanessa Williams, but soon found that the tracks I played most were those with the handsome, charismatic Mr. Mitchell taking the lead. Seriously, his voice makes me nearly weep. His velvety pipes are so rich, so smooth, so distinctive, so smart. He has a sound that touches me very deeply--causing me to close my eyes and get wrapped up in it all.

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I enjoy the Christmas Concert every year, and always want to go, but this year...this year my desire is tenfold! I am determined to get tickets to the MoTab concert. You have to register here (or call 1-866-LDS-TIKS) between this Saturday (Oct. 25) and Nov. 4, and then registrees will be chosen at random. If you have no interest in attending the concert yourself (to which I say, "WHAT?!") and you wouldn't mind helping me out, please register (only one registration allowed per household) and should you be the lucky duck that gets tickets...if you're not going to use them, I would love them! Seeing him, hearing him, in person would just be...sigh...I can't even describe it.

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P.S. PBS has a DVD version of "South Pacific" starring B.S.M., Reba McEntire, and Alec Baldwin. Seems like an odd combination, I know, but trust me: if you like musicals, or good music in general, you'll love this production! Don't beleive me? Click on the link and put it to the test. So entertaining and top-notch!